Convertible furniture item

ABSTRACT

A convertible furniture item, the furniture item convertible between a coffee table and a dining table with chairs, which includes a planar rectangular table top having a first and a second side and ends and is supported at the ends by a plurality of planar legs. The legs are positioned and configured to double as the backs and legs of opposed chairs, support inwardly extending seats when the coffee table is turned on the first side a planar dining table surface is centrally positioned between the legs, outwardly extending from the second side in this dining table position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to convertible furniture, and more particularly to a coffee table that converts to a dining table with integral seats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Convertible furniture items are well known in the art, as are combined seat and tables in the form of diner style booths. However, many convertible furniture items tend to be made for children in order to provide multiple uses so that less space is needed in the child's room or home. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,379 of Cayssials issued Nov. 25, 1997 discloses a convertible furniture item, which may be used as a chair and step stool or as a rocking chair. U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,454 of Fu-Tsung issued May 16, 1995 discloses a piece of multi-purpose furniture which may be used as a cradle, high chair, desk, and rocker. U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,696 of Usagani issued Feb. 22, 2005 discloses a furniture unit which can be used as a chair, desk, sofa, and rocking toy. One disadvantage of the above furniture items is that they are dimensioned for children; adults would have difficulty making use of the convertible furniture items shown above. In fact, if the above were dimensioned for average sized adults, the furniture would likely be too heavy to convert easily.

An example of a booth type dining set is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 1,429,939 of Eichman issued Sep. 26, 1922, disclosing a combined seat and table, like many conventional seating booths seen in restaurants. It discloses a knock-down seat and table structure having a back-frame and end frames extending at right angles to the back-frame to form a booth or compartment, the end frames serving to support, at least partially, seats supported by a brace extending across the back-frame. A table member is disposed centrally above and between the seats and may be supported by the brace extending across the back frame.

This combined seat and table provides a simple construction for seating options, but does not provide or suggest a convertible option.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide a piece of convertible furniture of simple construction in order to save space.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a unitary furniture item convertible between a coffee table and a dining table with chairs. The furniture item comprises a planar rectangular coffee table top having a first and a second side and ends. The table top is supported by a planar leg secured to the coffee table top at each end. The legs end in a common plane and are positioned and configured so that when the coffee table is turned on the first side, it converts into a dining table with the legs acting as supports for a pair of opposed chair seats extending inwardly therefrom. A planar dining table surface is centrally positioned between the legs, secured to and outwardly extending from the second side of the planar table top and normal to said table top. Sides of the legs and the first side of the coffee table are configured to support the furniture in this dining table position.

The coffee table support legs extend between the coffee table top sides, these legs forming backs and legs of the dining table chairs when the coffee table is in dining table position.

The convertible furniture item according to the present invention has the advantage of enabling a more efficient use of space in small areas. It is of simple construction and is a low-cost option when furnishing a small area, for example at cottages, dorm rooms, or studio apartments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the furniture item according to an embodiment of the present invention in the coffee table position; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the furniture item of FIG. 1, resting on a side, in dining table position.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given identical reference numerals where appropriate. All dimensions described herein are intended solely to illustrate an embodiment. These dimensions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention that may depart from these dimensions.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a unitary convertible furniture item 10 shown in a coffee table configuration. The furniture item 10 comprises a rectangular planar coffee table top 12 and spaced planar legs 14 and 16 secured at opposed ends 18 and 20 respectively of table top 12. Legs 14 and 16 have ends 22 and 24 respectively that are in a common plane parallel to that of the table top 12, so the coffee table will sit firmly on a flat surface.

A panel 26 is secured centrally to table top 12 along a side 28 thereof. It is spaced inwardly from legs 14 and 16 of table top 12. Panel 26 has an end 30 which may or may not be in a common plane with ends 22 and 24 of legs 14 and 16. (If it does lie in that common plane, then it provides additional support for coffee table top 12.)

Additional panels 32 and 34 are secured at central locations 40 and 42 on legs 14 and 16 respectively so as to extend inwardly therefrom at an angle of about 90° thereto. Panels 32 and 34 have ends 36 and 38 respectively, and which may or may not end in a common plane with ends 22 and 24. Again, if they do end in this common plane, they will provide additional support for coffee table top 12. However, in one embodiment, ends 36 and 38 end in a plane closer to table top 12, parallel to that of table top 12.

Turning now to FIG. 2, furniture item 10 is shown in its dining table position. In this position, legs 14 and 16 become back supports 44 and 46 and legs 48 and 50 respectively and panels 32 and 34 become seats. Panel 26 becomes a table surface. In this position, furniture item 10 is supported on sides 52 and 54, respectively, of legs 14 and 16, and side 56 of coffee table top 12. Sides 52, 54, and 56 lie in a common plane (parallel to that of table panel 26) so that the furniture item 10 will sit firmly when on a flat horizontal surface, with the table panel 26 in horizontal position.

In order to have the furniture item 10 in a dining table and chair configuration as shown in FIG. 2, it is simply a matter of placing the furniture item 10 of FIG. 1 on its side 56.

When the furniture item 10 of FIG. 2 is desired to be in the coffee table orientation as shown in FIG. 1, the furniture item 10 is turned onto ends 22 and 24 of legs 14 and 16. Since ends 22 and 24 are in a common plane, the structure will be stable. In this orientation seat sides 36 and 38 are also near to the floor, but they need not extend to the floor.

Examples of dimensions for the components of furniture item 10, providing functionality and stability are as follows:

-   table top 12: 42 inches long and 32 inches wide; -   legs 14 and 16: 32 inches wide and 18 inches high; -   panel 26: 16 inches long and 18 inches wide; and -   seat panels 32 and 34: 12 inches long and 16 inches wide.     It is understood that these dimensions may be varied, to suit     particular requirements.

It is contemplated that the present invention will be made of rigid material capable of supporting the weight of users when in the dining table orientation. It would be apparent to the person skilled in the art that many materials may be suitable for constructing the present invention. As well, it is contemplated that materials may be used in various combinations in order to provide the present invention. In particular, it is contemplated that wood, glass, plastic, or metal may be used to construct the present invention entirely, or in various combinations.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a convertible furniture item that fully satisfy the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention. 

1. A unitary furniture item, the furniture item convertible between a coffee table and a dining table with chairs, comprising: a planar coffee table top having a first and a second side and ends, the coffee table top supported by planar legs secured thereto at the ends, the legs ending in a common plane and being positioned and configured so that when the coffee table is turned on the first side, it converts into a dining table with the legs acting as a pair of supports for a pair of opposed chair seats extending inwardly therefrom, a planar dining table surface centrally positioned between the legs, secured to and outwardly extending from the second side of the planar table top and normal to said table top, sides of the legs and the first side of the coffee table being configured to support the furniture item in this position.
 2. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the coffee table support legs extend between the coffee table top sides, the legs forming backs and legs of the dining table chairs when the coffee table is in dining table position.
 3. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the coffee table support legs are rectangular panels.
 4. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the coffee table top is rectangular. 